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40 years of memorable moments from Ant and Dec

This year marks the 40th anniversary of The Prince’s Trust. To celebrate, ITV has commissioned a one off documentary following the Prince of Wales preparing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the charity he founded. The programme is presented by Ant and Dec, long-term ambassadors of the charity, who themselves have recently reached the landmark age of 40.

This 90-minute special will see His Royal Highness attending a number of engagements, speaking unguardedly about being a grandfather and generally reflecting over the last 40 years.

So we decided to reflect over the last 40 years… of Ant and Dec. Come on, the Prince of Wales doesn’t have that many great TV moments.

Everybody’s favourite Geordie pair have worked together in showbiz for the last 25 years and boy do they have some memorable moments.

The pair first met on the BBC children’s show Byker Grove in 1990. When their characters became friends, the two followed suit off-screen and started one of the nation’s most beloved bromances.

Leaving the world of television behind, pop duo PJ & Duncan were born in 1994. You may be surprised to find out they had three studio albums and even churned out a “Greatest Hits” record. All we know is that this was their one true hit, and it’s never been forgotten.

After a successful (?) pop career, Ant and Dec finally found their calling in presenting. In 1998 they signed a contract with ITV and began hosting the Saturday morning show SMTV: Live.Beloved by children across the UK, this show brought us classic sketches and games like “Chums”, Eat My Goal and, of course, Wonkey Donkey.

The Newcastle lads hit the primetime in 2001 when Pop Idol made its way into our living rooms. (Strange to think we’ve now had 15 years of reality music shows). Ant and Dec set the standard for every Saturday night live show from this date on with their cheeky chappy commentary and rapport with contestants.

Just a year later, Saturday Night Takeaway was created. Harkening back to Saturday night variety shows, the show saw musical performances, hilarious sketches (including the genius Little Ant and Dec) and the pair hosting audience games and competitions. The programme’s real success, however, has always been in its pranks. Involving the unsuspecting public as well as unsuspecting celebrities, Ant and Dec transform themselves into a whole range of characters, all in the name of entertainment.

They also blew our minds in 2013 when they brought back PJ & Duncan for one night only.

Also starting in 2002 was reality show I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here.The series has only gone from strength to strength, largely due to – you guessed it – Ant and Dec and their impeccable hosting abilities. By that, we most definitely mean watching them fall apart laughing during all of the tasks.

2007 saw the arrival of yet another reality show, so there was naturally only one choice for presenters. Britain’s Got Talent will be in its tenth year in 2016 and over the past nine series, it’s given us a fair few laughs – particularly when Ant and Dec decide to get involved.

When it comes to presenting, no one compares to this dynamic duo. For the last 14 years Ant and Dec have won the National Television Award for “Most Popular Entertainment Presenter(s)” and in 2014 they were presented with the “Landmark Award” in recognition of their enduring popularity.

We can’t imagine TV without Ant and Dec, here’s to another 40 years.

When Ant and Dec Met The Prince: 40 Years of The Prince’s Trust airs tonight (04.01.16) on ITV 1 at 9pm.